Chat with Myron Medcalf

Welcome to SportsNation! On Monday, college basketball writer Myron Medcalf stops by to chat about the Kentucky-Kansas national championship matchup.

Medcalf joined ESPN.com in 2011 after a four-year stint covering colllege basketball for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. His relationship with ESPN began in 2004, when he was an intern for ESPN the Magazine in New York City.

Myron Medcalf

(3:01 PM)

What's up, everybody? Pumped for tonight. Kentucky versus Kansas.

Jim (Goldsboro)

Whose the better coach: Self or Cal? And could we possibly argue that Self is slightly better because he has been able to get more out of his team with far less talent? Seems to me Cal gets all this hype but anyone could get it just recruiting 1 and done's every year...

Myron Medcalf

(3:02 PM)

If anyone can just get one-and-dones to play together and click on the floor, then why don't other coaches do it? I think the "Calipari is only a recruiter" mantra is baloney. Check out Anthony Davis' development. Look at Teague's growth. MKG. These guys are getting better under Calipari. Who's the better coach? ... We'll find out tonight.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Will John Calipari join his players in the NBA if Kentucky wins the national championship tonight?

Myron Medcalf

(3:03 PM)

It's possible. I still think it's 50/50. But winning tonight would certainly change those odds.

John (Portland, OR)

Why does no one talk about the fact that Jeff Withey averages more blocks per minute than Anthony Davis? Are sports writers really this clueless?

Myron Medcalf

(3:04 PM)

Check out my story on Withey and Davis today. I point out the fact that Withey'sblock rate is higher than Davis'. So we're not clueless. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2012/story/_/id/7763802/final-four-2012-shot-blockers-davis-withey-impact-title-game

Brad (Lexington (college basketball capitol!))

Group presentation on Wednesday, Chemistry exam on Thursday, skipping both classes today to get a spot for the game...that's the responsible choice, right?

Myron Medcalf

(3:05 PM)

Brad, I can't condone that. I mean, I can't condone going to class in Lexington today.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Is Kendall Marshall a left handed, 21st century version of Mark Jackson?

Myron Medcalf

(3:06 PM)

Let's see how long he plays in the NBA before we make that comparison. He's bigger. I can see the style comparison. But Jackson played good basketball for a long time.

Brandon (LEXINGTON)

Myron what is the final score and who wins?

Myron Medcalf

(3:06 PM)

Kentucky 67, Kansas 63

James (NC)

Of all of the potential NBA prospects on the floor tonite, who will be get drafted the lowest?

Myron Medcalf

(3:07 PM)

Tough to answer because some guys won't leave this year. A lot of potential first rounders playing tonight. I think Withey has a great opportunity to raise his stock.

JaLucas (North Liberty, IN)

What the hell does Calipari say to all these recruits to get them to travel across the country to play for an already star-studded team?!

Myron Medcalf

(3:08 PM)

Good question. It's not easy. They could all become stars elsewhere. Calipari deserves credit for that.

Jeff (RI)

Who is this game bigger for Calipari or Self?

Myron Medcalf

(3:09 PM)

Calipari. And it's not close. Self can lose by 20 and his legacy won't take a hit. He has a ring. And based on what he started the year with, he's not supposed to be here. If Calipari loses tonight, it will be a major blow to his legacy.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Are you surprised James McAdoo is seriously considering leaving Carolina? Where do you think he gets drafted if exits early?

Myron Medcalf

(3:10 PM)

I'm not surprised. If you have a chance to make $1 million per year, you should consider that. That's why I hate the one-and-done rule.

Billy (Taylors SC)

Cal says he has 6 NBA players on his roster. Really? Six?

Myron Medcalf

(3:11 PM)

Maybe. Davis, Jones and Michael Kidd Gilchrist are all lottery picks. Miller, Lamb and Teague could get to the next level, too. That makes six.

Doug (MD)

Is Calipari able to continue to get the recruits if he doesn't actually win the title?

Myron Medcalf

(3:12 PM)

Yep. He's been able to do it thus far.

Garrett (Chicago, IL)

Is Tyshawn Taylor due up to make like 10 3's?

Myron Medcalf

(3:14 PM)

Or 10 turnovers. I really don't know how he'll play tonight. Calipari talked about using a 2-3 zone tonight. Regardless of the D, Taylor has to have a big game and limit mistakes to KU a shot.

Jim (NC)

If you take away Davis' shot blocking ability, is he STILL a consensus No.1 pick? Is he the #1 pick based on upside or what he does defensively? Outside of that, I think he's overrated.

Myron Medcalf

(3:15 PM)

You can't take that away. Yes, he's No. 1. Nothing overrated about him. One of the greatest defenders in college basketball history. Check the numbers. And watch him tonight.

Yoshi (Chicago, Ill.)

Right here. right now. Who is your title winner for next year?

Myron Medcalf

(3:15 PM)

Indiana Hoosiers.

Sean McKenzie (Van Wert, OH)

Thad Matta should have won Coach of the Year. He is always making the tourney will FAR less talent than all these other big name schools.

Myron Medcalf

(3:16 PM)

Not sure Jared Sullinger (lottery), Deshaun Thomas (future pro), Aaron Craft (America's best on-the-ball defender) and William Buford (he'll be a pro next year, too) constitutes FAR less talent than the big name schools.

Myron Medcalf

(3:17 PM)

Ohio State is a BIG name school.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Is it possible that Rickie P at Louisville is underrated as a head coach? Where would you rank him among the great coaches in CBB?

Myron Medcalf

(3:18 PM)

He's underrated because he's not in the Hall of Fame. That's nuts. Ridiculous. Among the greats .... He's Top 10.

Criggs (WV)

Who do you think wins MVP/MOP tonight and why?

Myron Medcalf

(3:19 PM)

Anthony Davis' arms. He'll block a lot of shots. Sorry if that's not the "expert" answer. But it's really that simple.

jack kiser (Roanoke, Virginia)

Huge UK fan here, how well do you think Thomas Robinson will do in the post with a potential matchup with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or maybe even Terrence Jones?

Myron Medcalf

(3:20 PM)

I think T-Rob is due for a huge game. I listened to him talk during the pregame buildup ... He's confident, ready to go. But MKG is a strong kid. Jones is strong kid. It won't be easy to score on those guys.

Jeremy (NJ)

Do you think Withey's stock could rise to the point where he makes the jump after this season?

Myron Medcalf

(3:20 PM)

Like Royce White before him, if Withey has a huge night against a squad with 3 lottos, he's gone.

Ryan (San Diego)

The PG matchup in Kansas-OSU was a much talked about matchup...how do you see the PG matchup in this one?

Myron Medcalf

(3:22 PM)

Depends on what Cal does, but Taylor-Teague could be interesting. The vet against the rookie. ... Both fan bases share the same views about these guards ... They're praying that they don't mess this up. Both explosive ... both a little wild at times. Could get interesting.

Daniel (Pittsburgh)

Myron: I think Jared Sullinger is overrated. I am surprised you refer to him as a lottery pick.

Myron Medcalf

(3:23 PM)

I'm not an NBA GM. But NBA guys think he's a lottery pick. That's all that matters.

Jared (Bloomington, IN)

WHOA! I just saw Myron Medcalf say the Indiana Hoosiers are next year's title champs? IU fan... How do you see that? We will get a lot better.. But champs? Just curious, thanks!

Myron Medcalf

(3:24 PM)

That was one of those "way too early" picks. It's really too early to decide. But Cody Zeller could win the Wooden Award next year. Watford should be back. Great recruiting class.

Kevin (CT)

best matchup we're not talking about enough?

Myron Medcalf

(3:25 PM)

Terrence Jones on T-Rob. Possibly. Who knows how Cal will set up his D tonight. He talked about zone yesterday. But that could be interesting.

Billy (Taylors SC)

Should James Michael McAdoo go pro?

Myron Medcalf

(3:26 PM)

No. But if the opportunity is there, I wouldn't fault him for taking it.

Chauncey (Nevada)

Which mid-major team could possibly be next year's Butler team who went to the final four back to back?

Myron Medcalf

(3:27 PM)

Creighton gets Doug McDermott back. That's a good start.

Sean McKenzie (Van Wert, OH)

It seems to me that you are holding the fact that Thad Matta devolped those players into who they are right now. Only Sullinger was highly rated coming out of HS. Matta takes players and makes and molds them to be good and great. That is what a coach of the year is supposed to do.

Myron Medcalf

(3:28 PM)

Don't get me wrong. I think Matta is a good coach. But don't act as though they don't have high-level talent. Nonsense. Sullinger, Thomas, Craft, Buford ... Can't deny that.

Johnny (Cleveland)

I think OSU overlooked Releford and Johnson, the role players from Kansas. They are good defenders and scored well Saturday night. How do you think they will do tonight?

Myron Medcalf

(3:29 PM)

Johnson has been clutch. Releford is a veteran. Here's my take .. I think Kentucky can win this without its best game. I think KU needs every starter to shine to win. So that includes Releford and Johnson.

Myron Medcalf

(3:30 PM)

Well, it's been real. I have to get ready for gametime. If I missed you, email me at mmedcalf3030@gmail.com. You can also find me on Twitter (@MedcalfByESPN). ... Hope we get a show tonight.